When Architecture met Footwear

If you ever thought one design discipline couldn’t inspire another, you’re wrong. Product designs can often take inspiration from typography designers, graphic designers can occasionally look to fashion designers, and the occasional shoe designer can often see wonderful design cues in architecture.

Drawing inspiration from Herzog & de Meuron’s 2008 Beijing Olympics stadium, these Adidas Ultraboost sneakers feature a dizzying array of lace-like anti-abrasive polyurethane line-patterns that resemble the iconic ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium. The lacing system consists of two continuous laces that loop around support points along the upper and around the heel of the shoe in a seemingly random manner, but giving it a distinct flavor synonymous with Herzog and de Meuron’s iconic building. A 3D printed double-loop cinch locks the laces in place.

It’s a shame these shoes are conceptual works of design. I for one, would pay good money to own them!